May 30, 2013

This photo was taken last 2001 in Boracay. This was my first and last time to wear a two-piece swimsuit after gaining 62 poundswhile pregnant with twins Julia and Rafael.

I'm trying to sound dramatic, I'm just overjoyed I found my midsection again and got the courage to wear two-piece after 12 long years! Totoo nga ang kasabihang "pag may tiyaga may abs, err nilaga, hehehe!

I went to see the movie, Taken, with Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, months ago. I'm not joking, though not literally with them. They were seated a row a way from where John and I were seating. I took the opportunity to have a photo op with them because they are my favorite showbiz sweethearts. Let me tell you the reasons why...

After giving birth to twins Julia and Rafael in m2002, my bestfriend Nen and I were thinking of nicknames to give them. Rafael was easy, I took the last 2 letters of his name, thus called El from then on. I had a hard time with Julia. Nen, suggested why not Iya. She even said, "may magandang bagong artista sa GMA named Iya Villania". I didn't knew Iya back then but when I saw her, ganda at mukha namang mabait. Just like his twin brother, I got Julia's last two letters so Julia's nickname's Ia.

I first met Drew in 2003 at Sagittarius Building where I used to work. Apple of Apple talent Agency was recruiting me for Dove commercial. I told Apple, I don't have what it takes to be a commercial model. Then she said, pwede ka, ano ka ba, to nga o, papasikat na. Then Drew, who was sitting on the side smiled at me. Di ko din sya kilala. Then I saw him on tv, nung sikat na sya. Ah, sya pala yun. Then I learned sweethearts pala sila ni Iya. Ever since then every time I see Iya I tell her this story. Iya will say, "yes, you're the Mommy blogger with a daughter named just like me".I pray that these two guys end up with each other. They've been together for almost a decade na ata.

May 29, 2013

I got to try the most advanced facial yesterday at Flawless Megamall Branch as Flawless introduced to select beauty and lifestyle bloggers their newest service, Cell Booster Infusion Mask. This is a medically-sound beauty solutions closer to Filipinos without the Class-A prices, in short, affordable.

Though the cost of this anti- and preventive-aging treatment is higher from the other Flawless facial, I guarantee that P1,400 is so worth the session! The science used for Cell Booster Infusion Mask allows it to deliver essential nutrients to the skin at cellular level. Using an advanced cellular repair hydrogel mask which contains highly concentrated essence of cell-activating nutrients, it promises to increase the skin's elasticity, minimize pores and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving the skin an undeniable glow. The technology for hydrogel is innovative in that it coagulates nutritious substances into a gel format and delivers active ingredients into the skin by reacting to the skin’s temperature rather than the air. It also leaves the skin feeling cool, fresh and invigorated.

Cell Booster Infusion Mask Procedure:

Step 1: The therapist made me lie down on the bed comfortably, put cloth hair band.

Step 2: Soaping/cleaning

Step 3: Massage

Step 4: Massage by machine

Step 5: Relaxing Massage

After the second round of massage, it's up to you to go for pricking. I opted to skip pricking and instead proceeded to Step 7.

Step 7: Suction.

Cell Booster Infusion Mask is designed to perform two main functions: one, to combat the effects of and protect the skin from the destructive free radicals that we encounter every day; two, to rejuvenate and improve our skins’ cell architecture by nourishing it and encouraging the tissue regeneration process.

Stem Gel Hydrogel Mask

Step 8: Application of Stem Gel Hydrogel Mask

Relaxing mittens made the session even more relaxing

I was already in cloud 9 - sleeping in this photo, I hope I was not snoring (lol)

All of Flawless therapist are well-trained and well-mannered.

I had a great time chatting with Jenna, the youngest among the therapist.

Another plus in all Flawless clinics, you get to consult with a dermatologist for FREE!

With bubbly and fashionista Dr.

About Flawless

Established in 2001, Flawless is the country’s preferred clinic for face, body and medical services. It was founded on the premise of providing Filipinos easier access to top-notch, medically-sound beauty solutions. While cost has made the brand’s offerings more accessible, the quality of Flawless’ products and services remains first class. Powered by Skin Professionals, all of Flawless’ doctors and staff regularly attend medical and dermatological conferences in and out the country and receive constant up trainings. The brand is famed for employing equipment and technologies that are at par with those used by most international dermatological facilities.

For more information visit a Flawless Clinic near you or visit our website https://flawless.com.ph/. Stay connected, know the latest from Flawless, follow us on Facebook, Facebook.com/FlawlessFaceandBody and Twitter, Twitter.com/MyFlawless.

May 27, 2013

Do you know that most of us are blessed with healthy feet from the day we are born? Do you know that wearing inappropriate footwear causes problems on the feet? Do you know that 75% to 80% of the adult population has some form of foot problem and most people do not seek advice on it? Do you know that the shoes we wear have a substantial impact on the load on the knee joints which can impair the quality of one’s life? These all four questions and more I learned earlier today at Dr. Kong Philippines Press Launch at Chef Laudico's Guevarras.

Dr. Kong Footcare started in Hongkong in 1999 by Mr Raymond Ng, with a mission to educate the public on the importance of foot health. Since its inception, it has grown rapidly with 62 retail outlets in Hong Kong, 70 retail outlets in China and now in the Philippines. All Dr. Kong’s insole products have fulfilled the international safety standards having undergone tests from SGS, LFGB, TUB and SATRA. The products do not contain heavy metal and harmful chemicals; is safe to the skin and does not cause allergic reactions.

The outlet is also stocked with a range of ready-to-wear shoes that are ultra comfortable for the entire family and professions related to the hospitality industry, airline crews. The Baby Basic Steps 1,2,3 to aid the young ones to develop healthy feet as they progress through the three different stages which have different shoe requirements; Children’s Casual and Sports Shoes for children between the ages of 4 to 14 yrs. Back to School Shoes, Men and Women Casual Shoes, Adult Sport ShoesNursing Shoes, Sandal, accessories ranging from orthotic insoles for support and comfort and foot and shoe care products.

Apart from the range of ready-to-wear shoes for the entire family, which are ultra comfortable, Dr. Kong Footcare also provides the unique foot examination service at no extra cost, to help educate customers about their feet condition, recommending and fitting their feet with the selection of suitable Dr. Kong’s standard insoles (applicable for most of the shoe designs) to fit into their choice of footwear.

From these three different foot examinations I learned that I'm flatfooted!

Other facts I've learned today:

1. Footcare in the early formative years is vital to ensure that children grow with healthy feet, which may otherwise result in foot problems like flatfoot and rearfoot valgus (a condition in which the rear of foot tends to curve outwards at the ankle joint) as they move towards adulthood.
2. Foot problem can lead to knee, hip and lower back pain that can also limit mobility.
3. Women have four times as many foot problems as men because they have a long history of wearing high heels and/or pointy toe shoes.
4. In some cases foot ailments can be an early signal of more serious medical problems like arthritis or diabetes.
5. If experiencing pain or discomfort in your ankles, knees or hip joints. . . . . the direct cause may be the result of ill-fitting shoes.

Dr. Kong Comfort and Healthy Shoes is available in the Philippines at the following branches: 3rd Level, The Gallery of Robinson Galleria, 2nd Level Robinsons Magnolia, 3rd Robinsons Place Manila, GF Sekai Center Building Greenhills, San Juan and 3rd Level SM Aura Premiere.

May 26, 2013

The Newport Mall at Resorts World was jampacked yesterday as it was ToyCon's press confererence venue.

Different activities such as Cosplayers Photo-op, Panel Discussions, Film Showing, Toy Customization workshop, Artists sketching and workshop, Toy groups feature collections and selling activities started as early as 12nn.

Mad Science session was also held where kids enjoyed mini show on experiments and where Juancho happily joined.

TOYCON 2013 Press Conference formally started around 4:30pm where all its officers and sponsors answered questions from fans, cosplayers and media.

Mini Cosplay immediately followed right after the prescon.

Mini Cosplay winner

Though we were not able to join games, auctions and meet and greet Alodia, attending ToyCon PressCon is always an exciting experience. If the Presscon is already a success expect to see more superheroes, cosplayers, toys, toys, and toys in the upcoming ToyCon 2013, hapenning on June 14-16, 2013 at the SM Megatrade Halls 1, 2 and 3 at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Tickets are sold online at P120. For more information you may email: toyconph@gmail.com

May 25, 2013

The “Joy of Learning” workshop aims to help parents like you understand the importance of the role they play in their child’s development.

The Big Idea

The “Joy of Learning” workshop will be conducted by Carrie Lupoli, a renowned child expert wherein participants will understand that “Through play, children learn about themselves and others, about how things work and about the world around them. And every play experience helps prepare them for school.”

Fisher-Price Child Research

Content Areas

The Workshop will cover four topics of interest:

1. The Roles and Responsibilities of Parenting

2. Understanding Developmental Milestones

3. How Children Learn Best

4. Age Appropriate Play-based Ideas for Optimal Growth and Development

Carrie graduated from the University of Connecticut in the United States in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. In 1998 she received her Masters of Art in Special Education and in 2002 she received a Masters of Education in School Administration and Leadership. Her experiences in the United States, Asia and Europe have provided her with credible and practical knowledge of how to improve inclusive education practices so ALL children can succeed.

The House of Traditional Javanese Massage and Beauty Care started in 1999 and has 8 branches in Singapore. Yesterday, they proudly had its grand opening in its first branch in Manila with no less than the owner, Mr. Ahmad Bin Syed Abdullah, assisted by the Top 6 winners of Ms. Tourism-World.

Upon entrance to the door, one gets the feeling of being away from busy street of Manila with its Bali-inspired ambience.

The front desk consultants wearing the attractive “kebaya” (a traditional blouse-dress combination that originates from Indonesia and worn by women in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Burma, Singapore, southern Thailand, also worn by Singapore Airlines’ flight attendants) will tour you around, making you wonder at how meticulously built the spa was.

All materials and interior accents came from Indonesia and Singapore.

The owner of this center also owns D’ Java Factory (Singapore) with more than 700 different spa products and accessories made of 100% organic products ranging from highly selected herbs and spices which are also on sale in their Manila branch

What’s unique about the House of Traditional Javanese Massage and Beauty Care is that their therapists are well-trained by Indonesian and Singaporean trainer headed by Hawa Sahari.

Another reason why House of Traditional Javanese Massage and Beauty Care sets apart from the rest because it offers Javanese Massage not only to individuals, groups, friends but for the whole family as well. Now going to spa means not just relaxation for John and I, it's more of a family bonding as we get to bring Julia, Rafael and Juan for House of Traditional Javanese Massage and Beauty Care is a kid-friendly place.

The family Room has 2 massage beds, 2 foot spa chairs, 2 lounging chairs, a bathroom and jacuzzi.The use of jacuzzi in the Family Room and Couple’s Room is an exclusive privilege extended to its valued members.

Massage Cupping/Ventosa – Body is massaged using partial vacuum cups created by heat into the acupressure point instead of applying thumb pressure

Toxin Release - Ginger treatment or wrap using freshly pounded ginger thread and juice wrapped in the body for 30 minutes; good for colds and allergy relief, detoxification and promotes good blood circulation and relaxation

Traditional Foot Reflexology - Massage from feet to the knee, concentrating on the reflexology points leading to the internal organs and body systems

Pre-Natal Body Massage - Gentle massage for pregnant women from 4th month onwards (or after the first trimester) lying down sideways, focusing mainly on the legs , upper back and shoulders; relieves stress, muscle pains and cramps; a good form of relaxation for pregnant women

Post-Natal Body Massage - Traditional Javanese full body massage after birth with application of Indonesian herbs “pillis” for the head , “tepal wangi” for the tummy , “beras kanchur” for arms, shoulders and legs; Helps mothers get back in shape, prevents headaches/migraine, relieves feeling of tiredness, gives warming effect on the body and improves blood circulation. This treatment can be done right after giving birth for normal delivery, and 6 weeks after Caesarian operation